Under-the-radar Northwestern Football players to watch in 2026

With a state-of-the-art Ryan Field nearly complete and a successful portal campaign, the stage is set for the Wildcats to thrive in 2026.

Chip Kelly, a recent national champion and NFL household name, will take the reins at offensive coordinator, plugging new innovation into the purple jerseys’ playbook.

Michigan State transfer Aidan Chiles is projected to have the ‘Cats’ starting quarterback job while the dynamic running back duo of Caleb Komolafe and Florida State transfer Gavin Sawchuk has already gained national notoriety. The ‘Cats also have a trio of returners entering the 2026 season with preseason watchlist honors: wide receiver Griffin Wilde (Biletnikoff Award), kicker Jackson Kaether (Lou Groza Award) and center Jackson Carsello (Rimington Trophy).

However, there are still plenty of unanswered questions as the Wildcats prepare for the season opener on Sept. 5 against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits (a classic trap game).

The Wildcats ended last season on a high note, but struggled at times with offensive explosiveness, early down defense and pass rush. The Wildcats look to replace depth at the offensive line, tight end and edge rusher positions.

With new players entering the conversation and returning players looking to take a leap, there are four Wildcats that deserve your attention heading into this season. These under-the-radar players could add depth, fill gaps and improve production on both sides of the ball. Don’t be shocked if you see their names pop up on the new Ryan Field video board!

Nicco Marchiol, QB

Though signs point to Chiles starting the season at signal-caller, Head Coach David Braun has yet to name a starting quarterback this season, calling this the deepest quarterback room Northwestern has had since he took over the program. Among the contenders is West Virginia transfer Nicco Marchiol.

Marchiol was a highly touted four-star recruit out of Arizona in the Class of 2022. With a prototypical QB build, Nicco was highly sought after for his starting potential at many Power Four schools. At 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds, Marchiol’s strong presence in the pocket and reputation for toughness are traits that have followed him throughout his college career.

Marchiol is no stranger to stiff QB battles, as he fought hard for the starting nod throughout his tenure in Morgantown. Over four seasons, he appeared in 23 games, totaling 1,462 passing yards, 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Despite coaching changes, Marchiol remained a steady presence. He is marked by resilience and his tireless pursuit of winning regardless of how it looks. He is the quintessential next man up.

Nicco led the Mountaineers to two victories in one of college football’s most heated rivalries, the Backyard Brawl against Pitt. With a grueling Big Ten schedule ahead of the Wildcats, a reliable quarterback room capable of withstanding the wear and tear could prove invaluable. Whether Marchiol earns the distinguished starting role or is called upon later this season, his adaptability could make him an important asset for the 2026 Wildcats.

Luke Dehnicke, TE

Luke Dehnicke transferred to Northwestern from the University of Minnesota Duluth this offseason following a breakout redshirt freshman campaign. This portal addition was a massive win for the Wildcats, who beat out programs including Vanderbilt, Minnesota, Arizona, and a slew of other Power Four schools looking for a top-tier tight end target in 2026.

At 6-foot-6 and 240 pounds, Dehnicke is a serious downfield weapon. He was named the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Offensive Newcomer of the Year after exploding onto the scene in his first season of college football with 61 receptions for 1,119 receiving yards. His 14 touchdowns tied for the most in the conference and 97.6 receiving yards per game led the league.

At the end of the regular season, Dehnicke ranked second in the entire NCAA in receiving yards, third in receiving yards per game and third in receiving touchdowns.

Historically, tight ends have played a crucial role in Chip Kelly’s pro-style offense, both as receiving threats and blockers. With Northwestern’s tight end room young and relatively inexperienced, Dehnicke could see the field often. The question is whether his division two dominance will translate to the Power Four.

Jaden McDuffie, WR

Ranked as the No. 38 best wide receiver in the Class of 2026 per 247 Sports, four-star recruit Jaden McDuffie has the physical tools to be an instant impact player in Evanston. The Marylander is also a standout hooper, ranking No. 3 in the state as a combo guard, showcasing elite athleticism.

At 6-foot-4 and 190 pounds, McDuffie possesses the size to win on the outside while also serving as a big target over the middle. He zeroed in on Northwestern football after receiving a coveted offer, choosing to commit in May 2025.

McDuffie capped off his senior season at South River High School with 58 catches for a school-record 1,338 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns and an Anne Arundel County Championship. Now, he is in great hands, learning under veteran Griffin Wilde as he makes the jump to college ball. Look for McDuffie to make big time plays when his number is called.

Braden Turner, DB

Arguably one of the most exciting defensive players on the roster is redshirt senior defensive back Braden Turner. After emerging as a key piece of the Wildcats defense in 2025, Turner returns as one of the most experienced playmakers in the secondary.

Turner appeared in all 13 games for the Wildcats last season, recording a career-high 56 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, an interception and two pass breakups with an electric touchdown return. As Northwestern’s nickelback, he has become the heart of the defense, combining physicality and a stealth instinct to find the football.

His skills were on full display in Northwestern’s narrow loss to Michigan at Wrigley Field. Turner recorded an interception and fumble recovery, helping keep the Wildcats in position to upset a formidable opponent. He became the first NU player since Chi Chi Ariguzo in 2012 to record an interception, a fumble recovery and a touchdown in the same game. Turner must attack with his momentum from last season given the Wildcats have the No. 17 toughest schedule in college football per ESPN.